Beijing ChengXuan is one of the largest auction house inside China. The major auction items are ceramics, porcelains and paintings. There is section covering milled coins and medals. Majority coins in the auction are Imperial and Republic coins. Several proof and mint sets (1979-1986) and very rare circulated copper and aluminum fen coins are included. There are three PM MCC only and no panda. Here are some highlights.

I am a bit confused about their exporting policy. The disclaimer under the auction title says:

In accordance with the relevant rules of the People's Republic of China, export clearance will not be granted for Lots that marked with "*".

However, some coins from the same category are marked with * while others are not. The random example below shows two identical coins (different grade) - one has *, second one does not.

Am I missing something?

Just speculating, perhaps, the no “*” item is cosigned by person outside the China and the item is still outside China. ChengXuan has been very active in looking for consignment of Chinese artworks in US during last few years.

I think stopping export of MCCM from China to the West could happen quickly. Have discussed/warned this w/ a group of new collectors for about 2 yrs. It makes sense that China keeps the best of their money at home and the recent Pricepedia mentions the huge domestic demand of China while exports is a small amount. At some point the dealers in China will not be allowed to ship to the West. This could happen sooner than later......

And by that time the West would have found an alternative source for lovely culturally significant coins and medals. The world never exists in a vacuum. Closure of the Chinese coin market to the rest of the world (which is short sighted), and this vacuuming of MCC towards China and never to re-emerge, is anti commerce and means opening up of other opportunities. As is already happening many countries are producing for example lunar and zodiac themed coins. It will not be difficult for other countries to start making other competing products and that could even happen irrespective of China stopping this one way movement of MCC.

I do not think that the supply of modern Chinese coins is in any danger from export restrictions. It is my understanding that the restriction on the export of modern coins from China is only related to their precious metal content. "Precious metals such as gold and silver and articles made thereof," are subject to restrictions, but are not prohibited.

Small quantities of several ounces of gold (like a set of Pandas) do not seem to draw attention from customs inspectors or security if they are personally carried out. I was recently told that up to six ounces of gold is allowed, but haven't confirmed that yet. I once was waved through Chinese customs with 200 oz. of Panda silver coins.

On the other hand, I once had to explain to a customs inspector that a kilo medal in my carryon was gold plated, not gold. The mintage of this medal is three and I was worried that the inspector would directly test to see if it was plated, but eventually he relented and let it pass.

Ancient coins and relics are prohibited from export from China, definitely.

My experience also ,last summer I left Shantou with 4 gold proof sets 1.9 oz each I had a receipt from a coin shop ,I got the obligatory 15 second stare at customs:) but he just waved his hand so I packed them back up and put them back in my carry on backpack and off I went..

A China based online auction that I came across many months ago, for the 1985 1Yuan Brass panda coin, explicitly stated that it was not for shipment outside China. Other Chinese coins that were on auction did not have that same shipment restriction. Regular mintage coins may not be subject to restrictions, at present.

A China based online auction that I came across many months ago, for the 1985 1Yuan Brass panda coin, explicitly stated that it was not for shipment outside China. Other Chinese coins that were on auction did not have that same shipment restriction. Regular mintage coins may not be subject to restrictions, at present.

That must be due to a decision by the auction house, or maybe the consignor. Perhaps the high estimated value was an insurance issue? I am not aware of any national policy or regulation that restricts the export of modern base metal coins.

When you purchase anything for export purpose in China, the buyer has to pay the tax at the time of purchase. The tax is refundable after showing the evidence of the goods have left the country. For industrial goods, this is relatively easy and usually is handled by an Import/Export broker. For foreign MCC distributors, the paper work is handled by China Gold Coin Inc. However, for individual transactions, such as item won from auction house, most sellers do not want to involve in paper work or dealing with authority. It is my understanding that all MCC can be taken out of China, as long as you have the proper documents. MCC is not in the list of restrict items.

That must be due to a decision by the auction house, or maybe the consignor. Perhaps the high estimated value was an insurance issue? I am not aware of any national policy or regulation that restricts the export of modern base metal coins.

When you purchase anything for export purpose in China, the buyer has to pay the tax at the time of purchase. The tax is refundable after showing the evidence of the goods have left the country. For industrial goods, this is relatively easy and usually is handled by an Import/Export broker. For foreign MCC distributors, the paper work is handled by China Gold Coin Inc. However, for individual transactions, such as item won from auction house, most sellers do not want to involve in paper work or dealing with authority. It is my understanding that all MCC can be taken out of China, as long as you have the proper documents. MCC is not in the list of restrict items.

Thanks for clarification. Important to know these things because next time I visit China I am not going to be coming back light!